Coronado’s North Island Naval Air Station will host test drives of hydrogen-powered cars Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8 during the Coronado Speed Festival, part of the larger, monthlong Fleet Week San Diego festivities.
This year’s festival welcomes the California Fuel Cell Partnership and its annual Road Rally 2006. Beginning in Anaheim and ending in Coronado, the Road Rally brings the partnership’s progress for all to experience from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
“We will bring in 15 fuel cell vehicles and one minibus version to allow people to actually test drive the vehicles,” said Chris White, communications director for the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
What is a fuel cell vehicle? Quite simply, it is a car with no engine that requires no fuel. Instead, it runs on fuel cells that use hydrogen to create electricity. These vehicles are still undergoing research and are not yet available for purchase, though some versions can be seen driving around town to work out the design kinks.
According to White, California has the most fuel cell vehicles in circulation in the world, with government agencies like the U.S. Postal Service using them on a daily basis. In total, there are 137 fuel cell passenger cars, and 9 transit vehicles in circulation worldwide. If all goes well, the numbers will continue to rise, White said.
But in order to incorporate the vehicles into daily life, fueling stations will have to increase. Currently, California is home to the oldest hydrogen station in Chula Vista, with 23 other stations placed around the world.
“We expect 15 more [hydrogen stations] in the next 12 months,” White said.
In addition to experiencing technology that could shape the future, the Coronado Speed Festival will demonstrate the rich history of car racing. The festival features 225 unique yet traditional vehicles, many vintage but in classic condition. A racing strip has been designed on the Naval base to provide an exciting display of speed and class.